About

The RAL Classic color collection serves as the definitive standard for varnish and powder coating in architecture, construction, and industrial design. Unlike web-safe colors defined by light emission, RAL colors are based on physical pigment standards. This fundamental difference creates a complex challenge when mapping a specific RAL index to a digital RGB value or a CMYK print mixture. Precision is critical; a mismatch between a specified architectural coating and its digital rendering can lead to costly fabrication errors.

This tool provides the closest digital approximations for the 216 colors in the RAL Classic library. It bridges the gap between the physical reality of the RAL standard and digital color spaces. Each entry includes the unique 4-digit identifier, official nomenclature in English and German, and calculated values for digital design workflows. It is essential to note that screen calibration affects perception. The values provided minimize the color difference, often denoted as ΔE, between the physical sample and the sRGB gamut display.

Formulas

Digital representation of physical pigments relies on converting the spectral reflectance data into the sRGB color space. The relationship between the additive RGB model and the subtractive CMYK model is non-linear and device-dependent. A simplified transformation for process colors can be described as follows, though RAL approximations are often empirically determined lookup tables rather than direct mathematical conversions.

{

R = 255 × (1 − C) × (1 − K)G = 255 × (1 − M) × (1 − K)B = 255 × (1 − Y) × (1 − K)

In this context, the variables C, M, Y, and K represent the normalized values (0 to 1) of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). However, true RAL matching requires Lab color space coordinates where the perceptual distance ΔE is minimized against the standard observer model.

Reference Data

Range	Description	Count	Example
1xxx	Yellow Tones	30+	RAL 1003 (Signal Yellow)
2xxx	Orange Tones	14	RAL 2004 (Pure Orange)
3xxx	Red Tones	25	RAL 3000 (Flame Red)
4xxx	Violet Tones	12	RAL 4005 (Blue Lilac)
5xxx	Blue Tones	25	RAL 5002 (Ultramarine Blue)
6xxx	Green Tones	36	RAL 6005 (Moss Green)
7xxx	Grey Tones	38	RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey)
8xxx	Brown Tones	20	RAL 8017 (Chocolate Brown)
9xxx	White/Black	15	RAL 9010 (Pure White)

Frequently Asked Questions

Monitors emit light using RGB subpixels, while RAL colors are physical surface standards based on pigment reflection. No monitor can perfectly reproduce all RAL colors because the sRGB gamut is limited. The values provided here are the closest sRGB approximations calculated to minimize the perceptual difference.

No. Paint mixing machines use specific pigment recipes, not digital Hex codes. Always specify the 4-digit RAL number (e.g., RAL 7016) to your supplier. The Hex codes are strictly for design mockups, 3D rendering, and web visualization.

RAL Classic (4 digits) is a collection of 216 historic colors used primarily in industry and construction. RAL Design (7 digits) is a much larger system based on the CIELAB color space, organized by Hue, Lightness, and Chroma, primarily for sophisticated graphic design.

The numbering system is not continuous. Gaps exist because colors have been retired over decades or reserved for future expansion. Additionally, the first digit indicates the primary hue range (e.g., 3xxx for Red), preventing a sequential fill.

The CMYK values provided are approximations. For professional offset printing, you should use a physical RAL-to-CMYK fan deck or specify a Pantone equivalent (Spot Color) that matches the RAL standard, as process CMYK has a limited gamut.